McPherson – Jean Isabel (nee Court)

Jean Isabel McPherson (nee Court) died peacefully on February 19, 2010. She is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-two years, James A. McPherson; children James R. (Carol), Karen McCue (Glenn), Roger (Cecilia), Gregory (Lisa); grandchildren (Janine, Matthew, Nicole, Carter, Claire and Ashley); sister-in-law Grace Murdoch (Abe); and many nieces and nephews.

Isabel was born in Lethbridge and grew up in Picture Butte AB. At the age of sixteen, Isabel left home to attend Mount Royal College where she graduated with a legal secretary diploma. At nineteen, she married Jim and they spent thirteen years farming outside of Cochrane, AB. In 1977, Isabel went to S.A.I.T. and attained her Applied Arts Diploma in Business Administration – Account Major (with honours).

Isabel founded McPherson Management Ltd. with her husband Jim in 1978 and for thirty-one years she did what she loved so much, providing association management services to a multitude of associations that make a difference to the industries and disciplines they represent.

Isabel was first and foremost devoted and dedicated to her family, but was also very passionate and committed to her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star. Sister Isabel joined Zenith Chapter in 1968, and throughout the years she held many positions including organist, culminating with her installation as Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Alberta in 2009. As Worthy Grand Matron her charity project was the CancerBridges Survivor’s Network, a project that was dear to her heart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and mailed directly to Mrs. Allie Whitbread, Personal Trustee to the Worthy Grand Matron, Order of the Eastern Star at 37 Riverview Close, Cochrane, AB T4C 1K7. This will ensure the donation is credited to Isabel’s Charity Project.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway’s Chapel of the Bells (2720, Centre Street North) on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Graveside Service at Cochrane Cemetery on Friday, February 26, 2010, 1:00 p.m.
Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In living memory of Isabel McPherson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family of Sister Isabel. She will be missed by you forever. She was such a dedicated member of the OES for many years and will be missed by all Star members who were fortunate enough to have made her acquaintance.

It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to work with Isabel at McPherson Management. Her experience and wisdom as a colleague and friend was a tremendous help from which I have grown both personally and professionally. I am honoured to have had her acquaintance and she will never be forgotton.

Hi Jim, Chris and I will be unable to attend the funeral or graveside service, but are thinking of you and your family. Isobel was an inspiration to us, with her kindness, smile and music. We will miss her at Chapter.
Kathy & Chris Cleary

Dear Jim and Family,
I am very saddened to hear of Isabel’s passing. My heart and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I pray that many happy memories of the courageous and lovely lady that Isabel was shall sustain through the hard times and that her warm and supportive spirit will be with you always.
Gertrud

Jim and family.
I was sorry to hear of Isabel’s passing. She was always such a pleasant person to work with and always had such a nice smile and gentle way about her. We are thinking of you and the family.